Effective Fertilizer

This plant has long been recognized by herbalists for its usefulness and versatility. Comfrey is a turnip-like root with large hairy leaves. It bears small bell-shaped white, cream, light purple or pink flowers. Comfrey leaves has medicinal benefits but its internal use is not encouraged because it can cause liver toxicity. It contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver failure.

But comfrey is valuable to organic farmers as fertilizer. It is very deep rooted and acts by mining nutrients from the soil. This is made possible though special characteristics in its fast growing leaves. Comfrey is an excellent source of potassium, an essential plant nutrient needed for flower, seed and fruit production. It is also a compost activator. Addition of comfrey in the compost heap adds nitrogen and helps heat the heap.

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